August 8, 2025 | Riverview Retirement Community
Riverview Spotlight: Mark Norton – A Conversation with a Riverview Board Member
In late 2024, Mark Norton joined the Riverview Advisory Board. As someone with deep experience in business development, community collaboration, and strategic leadership, Mark has become an advocate for the Riverview community and its future.
Mark’s path to the board came to light at an unexpected time. “Gail Sorenson, a previous board member, is my wife’s cousin,” he explained. “We were at a gathering, and she said, ‘You know, my term is ending, and I think you could be great in this role. Would you be interested?’ And I said, ‘Sure, I’d be happy to do that.’”
That casual conversation set the stage for a three-year stint on the Riverview Board, a role that’s both strategic and supportive. “It’s more advising and strategic planning, primarily. We give input on policies, review finances, provide oversight – anything that impacts the resident community here, including new developments like the Heights” he said. “We’re kind of the stewards of making sure that the experience here is great. And really, I have to say, with the awesome team you have here, it’s not a lot of work!”
Mark gives special recognition to Danie Monaghan, Riverview’s CEO, and Mike Schleigh, Riverview’s COO. “In terms of their decision making, I think they’re very thoughtful about how they plan. Danie and Mike are really such a smart team.”
Board members at Riverview come from a variety of backgrounds, by intention. There is an application and approval process, and each term is limited to 3 years. “We’ve got a great balance,” he notes. “We have some folks that are knowledgeable in finance, others in engineering or construction, and people like myself that are really strong in business development and growth. The idea is you speak up in your area of expertise and listen in the others. It works really well.”
Mark’s own professional background is rooted in community and industry development. As the executive director of the Northwest I-90 Manufacturing Alliance, he leads efforts to grow manufacturing across Eastern Washington, North Idaho, and Montana. “We’re focused on the higher-tech side of things like aerospace, medical devices, things like that. We help companies of all sizes grow and collaborate, help launch trade programs in high schools, and help provide career pathways, especially for people in low-paying jobs who want more financial stability,” he explained. “There’s a big public service component there.”
Serving on the Riverview board is part advisory, part oversight, but is also very rewarding. And yes, there are a few perks. When asked if there were any benefits on his end to being a board member, Mark cited Riverview’s chef Tony Usher. “The biggest benefit is getting dinner here at the board meetings, because the food is always amazing. Tony does an excellent job!” he joked. “But honestly, the best benefit is just knowing you’re helping the community.”
When asked about Riverview’s next chapter, specifically the new developments of the Heights and the Crest, Mark believes they are great for the community.
“We’ve seen the plans, and I think they’re fantastic,” he said. “We all know the aging population is growing, and capacity is going to be a big issue. These additions are smart and timely. I love that they focus on independent living with built-in support. You don’t have to keep moving to a new community each time your needs change, just adjust your level of care.”
One aspect he’s especially looking forward to? “The Heights, because you’re going to have that nice view of the river. I’m excited to see how that will look when it’s done. Plus, the several new community areas will really help people stay social, which is so important. I’ve seen with both my mom and mother-in-law how isolation can accelerate decline. Staying connected to others makes a huge difference.”
When asked how Riverview’s current projects compare to previous ones, he’s impressed by the consistency. “I think they’ve struck a good balance between trying to move quickly enough, but making sure everything’s lined up properly for growth,” he said. “We’re being as aggressive on the timeline as we can be, because of all the regulatory measures at the state level and the local level, but they’re still doing their due diligence and moving efficiently.”
Although his time on the board began recently, he’s confident in how past additions have been handled, and in the team behind the scenes. “Everyone I’ve met here is committed to the care of the residents. You can’t really buy that, people either have it or they don’t, and this team definitely does.”
As someone who serves on several boards, Mark Norton knows what good leadership looks like, and he sees it in abundance at Riverview. “We’re lucky to have someone like Danie, she is incredibly capable. It’s a very well-managed organization, and I feel lucky to be part of it.”
With steady guidance, thoughtful planning, and a heart for service, Riverview’s future — like the view from the Heights — looks very bright.
